In a decisive move to protect the nation’s agricultural economy, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have finalized a $350,000 emergency intervention package to tackle the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu.
The agreement was reached during a high-level strategic meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, between the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and the FAO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Hussein Gadain. The partnership aims to fortify animal health systems and accelerate the modernization of Nigeria’s livestock industry.
Emergency Response to Avian Influenza
The centerpiece of the collaboration is an Emergency Technical Cooperation Programme funded by the FAO. This $350,000 investment is specifically designed to contain Bird Flu outbreaks currently affecting 11 states across the federation.
The funds will be directed toward strengthening surveillance, coordination, and rapid response mechanisms to prevent the virus from reaching new territories. Minister Maiha noted that environmental pressures, including drought and cross-border livestock movement, have exacerbated the vulnerability of local flocks.
“We must continue to strengthen our animal health systems and build the capacity required to respond effectively to disease outbreaks,” Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha stated. “Our collaboration with FAO will help protect livestock assets, improve productivity, and support the broader transformation of the sector.”
Eradicating Small Ruminant Diseases
Beyond the immediate threat of Bird Flu, the Ministry and the FAO are intensifying efforts to eliminate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a contagious disease devastating sheep and goat populations.
To address vaccine shortages, the Ministry confirmed it will engage the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) to assess and scale up domestic vaccine production. Dr. Hussein Gadain emphasized that the success of these programs depends on strengthening veterinary services at the state and community levels and promoting strict biosecurity practices among farmers.
Global Recognition and Future Financing
The meeting also outlined a roadmap for Nigeria to access the global Pandemic Fund using a “One Health” approach. This involves a tripartite collaboration between the Ministry of Livestock, the Ministry of Health, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to better prepare for zoonotic diseases—illnesses that jump from animals to humans.
In a significant diplomatic development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to be formally recognized as the African Champion for PPR Eradication during the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Conference in Abuja this June.
Strategic Planning for Sustainability
To ensure long-term stability, the two entities agreed to inaugurate a Livestock Donor Working Group. This body will coordinate international support and oversee the creation of a national feed and fodder strategy, addressing the chronic scarcity of animal nutrition that has long hindered the sector’s productivity.
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